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Summer Activities
We’ve got the “Central Park of Central New York”... Onondaga Lake Park
Summer's here and that’s means it’s time to get out and enjoy Onondaga Lake Park. The park has four great trails ideal for walking, running biking, blading and more. The East Shore Recreational Trail, the Shoreline Walking Trail, the West Shore Trail and the Lakeland Trail.
Onondaga Lake Skatepark Open
Onondaga Lake Park April 1 - 26: 11 -7 pm; April 27 - September 7: 10am-8pm
The 16,900-sq. ft park is concrete and built for inline skates, skateboards and BMX bikes. Come and test your skills on its features like the 8ft. deep Liberty Bowl, 7 Stair Gap, 4.5 ft. high ledge, or 3.5 ft. high volcano. There are also quarter pipes, grind rails, spines, hips and gaps to challenge every skater or biker. Admission to the Skatepark is $3 per session, $29 for a monthly pass, $99 for a season pass.
Wegmans Fit for the Next Fifty
Onondaga Lake Park, next to Griffin Visitor Center
8:30 - 10am, Monday, Wednesday & Friday (except 5/25; 7/3; 9/7) thru October 2
Targeted to ages 50 and up, everyone is welcome to participate in this program geared toward maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle. Classes include a combination of stretching, light weights, aerobics and walking. Free.
Wegmans Trams
Onondaga Lake Park 11 am - 8 pm daily thru September 7
A sure sign of spring is the traditional sight of the Wegmans Tram. The free trams are wheelchair accessible and run between the Griffin Visitor Center and Willow Bay making frequent stops along the way. Rides start at the top of the hour, Monday-Thursday and run every half hour Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Suggested Donation $1
Salt Museum Open
1 - 6 pm daily thru October 12
Discover how Syracuse earned it's nickname "The Salt City" through exhibits and artifacts in a reconstructed 1856 salt manufactory. The museum also has a gift shop. Free.
“Water” you waiting for?
The Oneida Shores Boat Launch, at Oneida Shores Park, offers your most accessible route to New York State's largest inland lake. Less than a mile off I81 in Brewerton, the paved launch provides multiple entry ramps for boats of all sizes, ample nearby parking, picnic facilities and restrooms.
Located midway along the lake's east shore, the Onondaga Lake Park Marina is a public facility operated by Onondaga County Parks. Due to its proximity to Syracuse and the greater metropolitan area, the Marina is a favorite spot for both recreation boaters and fishermen.
Canoe/Kayak Dock Open -
Beaver Lake Nature Center 9 am - 4 pm, Weekends until June 28 then daily thru September 7
Enjoy a leisurely paddle on you own across Beaver Lake. Explore the lake's edge and search for beaver lodges, turtles, herons and osprey. Paddlers may bring their own canoe/kayak or rent one from the Visitor Center. Rental rates are $8 per hour; $2 each add'l half hour.
Fishing is a wonderful activity for the whole family or for those seeking solitude and thanks to Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery, nearly 100 miles of local streams will be brimming with thousands of fish, including nearly 20,000 two year old brown trout averaging 15 inches in length. Best bets are Nine Mile Creek and Butternut Creek.
Ready, Aim, Shoot!
Disc Golf Course Open
Jamesville Beach Park
Featuring 18 challenging holes, this is a great combination of Frisbee and golf (and exercise!) According to the National Recreation and Park Association, Disc Golf is one of the fastest growing sports in the country and Central New Yorkers can easily get into the game!
Archery
Pratt’s Falls Park
28 Station Field Course – Come out and take aim, beginning in April targets will be set up but before that players must bring their own.
Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery
Oneida Shores Park
Onondaga Lake Park
These parks all offer areas for practice, visitors must bring their own targets and equipment.
Ridin’ High…
Horseback Riding - Mid-April - Mid-November
Highland Forest
Tuesday - Sunday, 10 am - 6 pm
Enjoy a leisurely paced one-hour saddleback tour through the "Adirondacks of Central New York." Cost is $25 per hour. Riders must be at least 7 years old. Opening day depends on conditions, call 495-6263 for information and reservations.
Mountain Biking Season Begins - May 1 - November
Highland Forest
Regular Park hours
There is no better place to give your bike a workout than on the 20 miles of trails at the "Adirondacks of Central New York." Highland offers a mix of country road, mountain trail and backwoods adventure while opportunities for Off-Road Bicycling can be found on park roads and on fire lanes. Maps available at the Park Office located inside Skyline Lodge. Donation is $2 per vehicle.
Get away from it all…
Campgrounds Open
Oneida Shores Park
Choose from 50 lakeview sites, 25 with power. Shaded grounds accommodate both tents and self contained RV's. Hot showers, restrooms, free beach and boat launch use make this the ideal get away spot.